Budget 2019 has been a surprise in that it turned out to be another expansionary Budget instead of a “sacrificial” Budget as was widely anticipated.

For the investor fraternity, Budget 2019 should be seen in the light of providing clarity on policy direction as well as the rolling out of reform initiatives to turn around the Malaysian economy amid uncertainties of sorts in the external environment.

There is an optimal mix of stimulus, incentives and safeguards to navigate what is expected to be another challenging year ahead.

Against a backdrop of the nation incurring RM1.065 tril real debt and liability as of end-June 2018, understandably a slew of belt-tightening measures is inevitable to keep the economy afloat to enable the government to fulfill its social obligations.